Why aren there Paphiopedilum x Phragmipedium crosses available?
While there have been at least four such crosses registered, documentation that they are what they are purported to be is lacking at this time. In the one cross investigated cytologically, there was no evidence of the presence of Phragmipedium chromosomes, only those from Paphiopedilum (the two are quite distinguishable morphologically as there is a large difference in physical size when viewed in a squash under the microscope, nuclear DNA content of Phrags averages about 1/3 that of Paphs). Does this mean that such crosses will never be possible, or that they should never be attempted? No, just that such crosses are unlikely to be successful. It should also be pointed out that when such crosses are attempted, occasionally plants will appear to produce capsules and even seed and plants; this is especially true when the Phragmipedium is used as the capsule parent, but can also happen when a Paphiopedilum is used as the capsule parent. If plants are produced they will most probably be so
